Video | CY Leung urges Hongkongers to ‘be like sheep’ in Lunar New Year message
Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying has urged Hongkongers to be more like sheep in his Lunar New Year message, where he described the past year as rife with conflicts.
Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying has urged Hongkongers be more like sheep in his Lunar New Year message, where he described the past year as rife with conflicts.
“The 12 Chinese zodiac animals represent 12 character types. Sheep are widely seen to be mild and gentle animals living peacefully in groups,” Leung said in his holiday video greeting, an English translation of which was posted on the government's website.
“Last year was no easy ride for Hong Kong. Our society was rife with differences and conflicts," it stated.
“In the coming year, I hope that all people in Hong Kong will take inspiration from the sheep’s character and pull together in an accommodating manner to work for Hong Kong’s future,” he said.
The Chinese zodiac characterises people born under the year of the sheep (otherwise known as the year of the goat) as loyal, docile and compassionate. But dictionary definitions also say “sheep” is used with reference to “people who are too easily influenced or led”.
WATCH: CY Leung's Lunar New Year message